Solved
Whirlpool

Whirlpool washing machine leaking from back - please help identify part

[E[email protected]
Asked over 7 years ago 8,019 views
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Hi

My Whirlpool washing machine (7.5 years old) started leaking from the start of a wash during the first few minutes. I opened the back and found the leak coming from a black washer part which is connected to the electrical, as shown in the picture (circled in red).

The black washer was sticking out slightly, I pushed it back in and the leak seemed to slow down. Please can someone help me identify what part this is and what do I need to do to fix the leak? I am not familiar with the various parts at the back of the washer, but it seems weird to me that there is this black washer "plug" which seems quite loose currently, does it normally sit like this?

Solution Summary

AI-generated from this discussion

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Whirlpool washing machine leak traced to thermistor seal at rear of tub

The problem
A 7.5-year-old Whirlpool washing machine began leaking in the first few minutes of a wash. The leak was seen at the back of the machine around a black component connected to wiring, identified in the discussion as the thermistor. The original poster noted the black fitting was protruding slightly and pushing it back in reduced the leak.
Likely cause
Most likely a failed or loose thermistor seal where the thermistor fits into the tub. A forum reply also noted the thermistor is normally retained by a metal flange into the seal groove, or may be a tight push fit depending on design.
What fixed it
The accepted advice was to replace the seal that the thermistor pushes into. The original poster later said they believed they had found the required part, but no completed repair or final fix confirmation was posted.
Checks to try
  • Leak observed from the rear during the first few minutes of the wash
  • Leak traced to the black wired component identified as the thermistor
  • Thermistor/black fitting was found sticking out slightly
  • Pushing the fitting back in appeared to reduce the leak
  • Follow-up photo showed the thermistor and surrounding seal
Parts or tools mentioned
  • Thermistor seal

Safety: Isolate the appliance from the electricity supply before inspecting or replacing parts. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.

Cause identifiedGenerated 8 Aug 2026 · AI summaries can make mistakes — read the full thread below.
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4 Answers

Accepted Answer
0
WH
WhitegoodshelpVerified Engineer
Answered over 7 years ago

Hello there. That looks like a thermistor. I would probably change the seal that it pushes into. Try to find it here Ransom Spares

Whitegoods Help — appliance repair expert and forum host.
0
[E
[email protected]
Answered over 7 years ago

Is the seal the only thing that keeps it in place? Seems strange to me that there is nothing else securing it.

0
WH
WhitegoodshelpVerified Engineer
Answered over 7 years ago

I can’t see any detail from the photo which is from too far away. Normally, a metal flange on the thermistor (or stat) is pushed into a thin groove at the top of the seal. But if it doesn’t have one and you can’t see any alt method it might just be a push fit although it should be tight.

Whitegoods Help — appliance repair expert and forum host.
0
[E
[email protected]
Answered over 7 years ago

Thank you for your input Andy.

I have included a picture which shows the thermistor and the seal around it.

From further research, I believe I have found the part I need.

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